E-3 Visa Lawyers

The E-3 visa is a specialty occupation work visa available only to Australian citizens. It is designed for professionals who have a legitimate job offer from a U.S. employer in a role that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Employers use the E-3 to hire Australian talent in fields like technology, finance, healthcare, education, and engineering.

The E-3 visa offers Australians several advantages compared to other work visas: No lottery: Unlike the H-1B, there’s no annual lottery. If you meet the requirements, you can apply year-round (subject to the annual 10,500 cap, which rarely fills).

2-year renewable periods: Granted in 2-year increments and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you maintain eligibility. Family benefits: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany you on E-3 dependent visas. Spouses are eligible for work authorization. Lower costs: Government filing fees are generally lower than those of the H-1B.

• Flexibility to change employers: You can change jobs if a new employer files a new E-3 petition and obtains a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA).

To qualify for the E-3 visa, you must demonstrate: Australian citizenship (passport required). A legitimate U.S. job offer in a specialty occupation. The role requires at least a bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent work experience). The U.S. employer has obtained a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor.

You possess the necessary degree or equivalent experience in the specialty field.

Processing time depends on where you apply: At a U.S. consulate abroad: Varies by consulate. Change of status or extension within the U.S. (Form I-129): 2-4 months with standard processing, or 15 business days with premium processing.

E-3 visa filing and government fees may include: DS-160 visa application fee: $315 (if applying at a U.S. consulate). Form I-129 fee: $1,015 (or $510 if employer is a small business or nonprofit), if applying for change of status or extension inside the U.S. Premium processing (optional): $2965 for a 15-day decision.

The E-3 visa process is relatively straightforward, but it does involve both you and your U.S. employer. Here are the key steps to know: Receive a U.S. job offer in a specialty occupation: Before applying, you must first have a U.S. employer offering you a role that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Labor Condition Application (LCA): Your employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor, confirming you’ll be paid fairly and that hiring you won’t disadvantage U.S. workers.

E-3 visa application: With the approved LCA, you apply for the E-3 visa at a U.S. consulate (Form DS-160) or your employer files Form I-129 if you’re already in the U.S. Interview & approval: You attend a visa interview (if abroad), show your qualifications, and once approved, you can start work in the U.S. To see if you qualify for an E-3 visa, request a consultation below.